Mt. Hood and Columbia River Gorge

Multnomah Falls is Oregon’s most-visited natural attraction and the tallest waterfall in the state. Visit when it’s at its most voluminous in winter and spring, as snowmelt feeds two cascading tiers along a 189-meter drop. The Multnomah Falls Lodge has a visitors’ center and upscale restaurant. When the weather is nice, enjoy outdoor dining on the patio with beautiful views of the falls.

The stunning Bridge of the Gods connects Oregon to Washington over the Columbia River. It’s also part of the 4,279-kilometer Pacific Crest Trail, recently popularized in Cheryl Strayed’s book and film adaptation, “Wild.” Park the car and walk across the dizzying foot path for unparalleled views of the river below.

Tracing the Columbia River Gorge from Troutdale to The Dalles, the USA’s first scenic highway is steeped in history and natural beauty. The abundant waterfalls and green cliffs near Portland lead to a sunny plateau in Mosier and The Dalles. Along the way, visit museums, stretch your legs on hiking trails and explore Oregon Trail-era small towns. Can’t miss photo ops: Vista House at Crown Point, Bridal Veil Falls and Multnomah Falls.

More than 2 million visitors a year make Timberline Lodge & Ski Area one of Oregon’s top attractions. This National Historic Landmark is located on Mt. Hood and boasts 1,124 vertical meters and year-round snow sports – one of the few ski resorts in the world with this claim to fame.

The Hood River Valley’s freshest (and tastiest) offerings are highlighted at u-pick farms, produce stands and eateries along the 56-kilometer Fruit Loop. Sample Oregon wine and cider, stock up on local produce, pick fresh flowers and bite into the juicy pears and apples that the region is famous for.

The stunning Columbia River Gorge spreads out before you at the Rowena Crest Viewpoint, located just off Highway 30 near the town of Mosier. Be sure to get a photo of the distinctive horseshoe curve in the highway below – it’s a highly photographed spot in Oregon. No filter needed for this view.

Emigrants on the Oregon Trail had to stop in The Dalles to decide whether to ford the river or ride along Barlow Road up and over Mt. Hood. Travel this storied path and explore old trail towns along the way. You can still see the ruts where wagons passed as pioneers came to the West.

If you haven’t quite gotten the perfect picture of Mt. Hood during your visit, head up to the Jonsrud Viewpoint in Sandy at sunrise or sunset to fulfill your mission. The snow-capped peak looms in the distance with an expansive meadow and the Sandy River below.

In Hood River, the walls of the Columbia River Gorge channel wind onto the river and create outstanding conditions for windsurfing and kiteboarding. Watch the tricks and feats of the sport at Waterfront Park in Hood River, considered the Windsurfing Capital of the World.

Thank the Portland Women’s Forum for the views from the Vista House, who saved this iconic landmark from private development. Perched on the edge of a cliff overlooking the Columbia River Gorge, the circa-1918 Vista House offers just that – sweeping vistas that attract photographers with inspiring views of the mountains, gorge and river.